Best Dog Brush for English Setters (2026)
English Setters are moderate-to-heavy shedders with long, silky coats that mat easily without consistent grooming. This breed's energetic, outdoor-focused temperament means their coats regularly encounter burrs, debris, and moisture—making regular brushing essential not just for appearance but for skin health and comfort. Neglecting their coat leads to painful mats, skin irritation, and increased shedding throughout your home.
The best brush for an English Setter tackles three challenges: removing loose undercoat without damaging the topcoat's silky texture, preventing mats in high-friction areas (chest, legs, ears), and being manageable during regular maintenance sessions. Look for brushes with cushioned pads or flexible bases that protect sensitive skin, and consider pairing a primary brush with a finishing comb for thorough grooming.
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Our Top Pick
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Used by professional groomers and show handlers for long, silky, or curly coats — the extra-long pins detangle mats without damaging the coat texture.
Chris Christensen
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
Best professional slicker for show coatsProfessional-grade slicker ideal for English Setters destined for the show ring, with longer pins that glide through silky coats without damaging the feathering that defines the breed.
- Professional groomer standard for long or curly coats
- Cushioned pad prevents brush burn
- 12% longer pins than standard slickers
FURminator
FURminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Large Dogs, Long Hair
Best deShedding tool for long double coatsEssential for English Setters' dense double coats; removes up to 90% of loose undercoat that causes matting and heavy seasonal shedding in this breed.
- Removes up to 90% of loose undercoat hair
- Stainless steel edge reaches through topcoat
- FURejector button releases hair with one click
Wahl
Wahl Professional Animal Stainless Steel Comb
Best finishing comb for long coatsPerfect finishing tool for English Setters after slicker brushing; dual-spacing teeth prevent mats in feathered areas like ears and legs where this breed is prone to tangles.
- Stainless steel — lasts decades
- Dual-spacing teeth (wide + narrow)
- Essential final step after brushing for mats
Hertzko
Hertzko Self Cleaning Slicker Brush
Best everyday slicker for medium/long coatsAffordable everyday slicker for English Setters' long coats with fine bent wires that penetrate dense fur; self-cleaning button keeps pace with this breed's moderate-to-heavy shedding.
- One-click self-cleaning button ejects trapped hair
- Fine bent wires penetrate mat-prone coats
- Affordable — under $15 on most platforms
Safari
Safari by Coastal Wire Pin Brush for Dogs
Best wire pin brush for wire/rough coatsGentle pin brush suitable for maintaining English Setters' silky topcoat between deep brushing sessions; flexible cushion base protects sensitive skin under feathering.
- Polished round pin tips prevent skin irritation
- Flexible cushion base
- Affordable daily-use option
How to Choose the Right Brush for English Setters
English Setters have a distinctive long, feathered coat with a dense double layer underneath. This means your primary concern is removing loose undercoat hair before it tangles into mats. A slicker brush or undercoat tool designed for long, double-coated breeds will be far more effective than generic options. Avoid tools marketed only for short coats, as they won't penetrate the English Setter's substantial coat depth.
Because English Setters are strong-willed and energetic, they may not sit patiently for lengthy grooming sessions. Choose brushes with ergonomic handles and self-cleaning mechanisms (like a button-ejector) to reduce grooming time and frustration. A lightweight option prevents hand fatigue during weekly sessions, which this breed requires to stay mat-free.
Mat prevention is critical for English Setters, especially around the ears, neck, and leg feathering where moisture and friction accumulate. Invest in a finishing comb with dual-spacing teeth—wide teeth for general detangling and narrow teeth for precision work on stubborn mats. This two-step approach (brush, then comb) stops small tangles from becoming serious problems that require professional grooming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my English Setter?
English Setters need brushing at least twice weekly to prevent matting and manage shedding. During spring and fall, when they shed heavily, increase to daily sessions. Skipping brushing for just one week can result in stubborn mats, especially around the ears, chest, and leg feathering. Regular brushing also keeps their skin healthy and catches potential issues early.
Why does my English Setter's coat mat so easily?
English Setters' long, silky coats combined with their active, outdoor-loving temperament create ideal conditions for matting. Their feathering traps moisture, debris, and loose undercoat hair. Without regular undercoat removal and finishing combing, these tangles tighten into mats within days. Environmental factors like humidity and water further accelerate matting in this breed.
What's the difference between a slicker brush and an undercoat tool for English Setters?
A slicker brush has fine, short wires close together and works the entire coat surface. An undercoat tool has longer, spaced wires designed to reach and remove loose undercoat beneath the topcoat. English Setters benefit from both: use the undercoat tool first to remove shedding hair, then finish with a slicker or comb to smooth the topcoat and prevent mats.
English Setter Full Breed Profile
Temperament, health conditions, care guides, and adoption resources.